Malaysia: Criminalisation of blasphemy – 2022 update
ARTICLE 19 updated its briefing paper on how Malaysian authorities have systematically silenced expression they deem to be allegedly blasphemous.
End hate speech and discrimination in Malaysia
‘Hate speech’ is a severe human rights concern in Malaysia. It is often used to silence and intimidate minorities and scapegoat whole groups in society while stifling dissent.
Malaysia: End hateful rhetoric against Rohingya refugees
The escape of 528 detainees raises serious concerns about conditions in immigration detention centres and the ability of Rohingya refugees to effectively raise concerns about these conditions.
Malaysia: Arrest of writer highlights limited protections for free expression on matters of religion
Malaysian writer Uthaya Sankar SB was held overnight and is now being investigated for a remark he posted on social media regarding the Prophet Mohammad.
Malaysia: Government continues to fall short on its human rights protections
The Malaysian government is urged to reverse its systematic abuses and restrictive policies to be a credible and effective champion of human rights at the Human Rights Council.
Malaysian artist Fahmi Reza faces police probe and two charges for satirical posters
ARTICLE 19 and the Centre for Independent Journalism are among the groups which have been pushing for the review and repeal of the Communications and Multimedia Act. Critics said the law has been weaponized to criminalize free speech in Malaysia.
Malaysia: Media groups condemn the ongoing crusade to silence whistleblowers and journalists
The Centre for Independent Journalism and Gerakan Media Merdeka said that the State “has not only failed in addressing the alleged corruption, but it also failed in providing adequate protection to an investigative journalist who was playing the role of a whistleblower.”
Malaysia tried to censor tweets criticizing the government’s flood response
The Centre for Independent Journalism said that it is appalled that the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia is being used as a shield to protect government failures.
Malaysian government urged to honour and uphold human rights obligations
The Centre for Independent Journalism has identified several reforms that the Malaysian government can implement to uphold the country’s commitment to promote and protect human rights.
Malaysia: Authorities continue criminal defamation case against “Sarawak Report” editor
The International Federation of Journalists calls for the dropping of charges against “Sarawak Report” editor Clare Rewcastle Brown, who is facing a criminal defamation case in Malaysia regarding her book on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
INTERPOL asked to clarify if Red Notice has been issued for arrest of British investigative journalist
Fourteen organisations have called on INTERPOL to clarify its involvement in the arrest warrant issued against British journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown, amid fears she may be arrested in Spain following threats by the Malaysian government.
Malaysia: Media advocacy groups demand fair and equal media access to parliament
The Malaysian Parliament has restricted the media’s coverage of its proceedings to 16 media agencies. Several groups, including IFEX member Centre for Independent Journalism, call for fair and equal media access to in-house parliamentary proceedings at all times, especially during times of crisis.
Malaysia: New prime minister needs new rights agenda
Human Rights Watch said Malaysia’s new government should stop and reverse the actions of the previous government, which investigated and prosecuted citizens simply for exercising their civil and political rights.
Malaysia: ‘Government must stop harassment and intimidation of peaceful protesters’
Several civil society groups are urging Malaysian authorities to stop persecuting activists and other citizens who are protesting against the government’s pandemic response.
Malaysian groups ‘strongly condemn raids against filmmaker and artist’
The police raided the office of Freedom Film Network over an animated film narrating the true story of a boy who experienced torture while in police custody. Various groups said the police should be held accountable for their actions.
Malaysia: ‘Emergency Fake News Ordinance has severe ramifications for freedom of expression’
ARTICLE 19 issued a legal analysis of Malaysian Emergency (Essential Powers) (No. 2) Ordinance 2021 and warned that the Ordinance could prevent any criticism of the government’s COVID-19 response.